What the Lincoln Nautilus window recall covers

Lincoln issued a recall for certain 2019 to 2022 Nautilus models because the power window regulators can fail, leaving windows stuck in the open or closed position. The regulator is the mechanical assembly that moves the window up and down when you press the button. When it fails, the window may not operate at all, or it may drop suddenly while driving.

This is a safety issue because a window that falls unexpectedly while you're on the road can distract you or create a hazard. A stuck-open window also leaves your vehicle exposed to weather and theft. Lincoln began notifying owners in 2021 and has continued issuing recalls as the problem was identified in additional model years and trim levels.

The recall applies to driver-side and passenger-side windows. Not every 2019–2022 Nautilus is affected—the recall is tied to specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs). You can check whether your Nautilus is included by entering your VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov or by contacting your Lincoln dealer with your VIN.

Key Takeaways

  • The power window regulator can fail on certain 2019–2022 Lincoln Nautilus models, causing windows to stick or drop unexpectedly.
  • You can determine whether your vehicle is affected by checking your VIN on safercar.gov or calling your Lincoln dealer.
  • Lincoln will replace the faulty window regulator at no cost to you as part of the recall.
  • The recall repair takes about one to two hours per window and requires a dealer appointment.
  • If your window fails before you schedule the recall repair, you can still have it fixed under the recall even after the official recall period ends.

How to check if your Nautilus is part of the recall

Your VIN is the unique 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. You can find it on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You can also look it up in your owner's manual or on any service paperwork from your dealer.

Go to safercar.gov, select "Recalls" from the menu, and enter your VIN in the search box. The site will show you all open recalls for your vehicle, including the window regulator recall if it applies to your Nautilus. You will see the recall number (usually starting with 21V or 22V for Lincoln recalls from 2021 and 2022), the affected model years, and a brief description of the issue.

If you prefer not to search online, call your Lincoln dealer's service department and give them your VIN. They can tell you when ready whether your vehicle is under recall and can schedule the repair for you. Many dealers will also send you a recall notice by mail once they have your VIN in their system.

What happens during the recall repair

Lincoln's fix is to replace the entire power window regulator assembly with a new one. The regulator is located inside the door panel, so the technician must remove the interior door trim to access it. The repair typically takes one to two hours per window, depending on which window is being replaced and whether both sides need work.

You will need to schedule an appointment at a Lincoln dealer. During the appointment, the service advisor will confirm your VIN against the recall list, and the technician will perform the replacement. Because this is a recall repair, Lincoln covers the entire cost—parts, labor, and any diagnostic work. You will not receive a bill.

Some dealers may offer to pick up your vehicle or provide a loaner while the work is done, but this varies by location. Call ahead to ask what your dealer offers. The repair is straightforward and does not require any special tools or informed beyond what a dealer technician has.

What to do if your window fails before you get the recall done

If your power window stops working or drops on its own before you have scheduled the recall repair, contact your Lincoln dealer when ready. Explain that your window has failed and that you believe it is related to the recall. The dealer can often fit you in for an emergency appointment, especially if the window is stuck open and your vehicle is exposed to weather.

Even if the recall period has technically ended, Lincoln will still cover the repair under what is called warranty coverage for recalled components. This means you can have the regulator replaced at no cost as long as you own the vehicle, even years after the official recall notice was issued. Keep any paperwork from the repair for your records.

If you cannot reach your dealer quickly and the window is stuck open, you can temporarily cover the opening with plastic sheeting and duct tape to protect the interior from rain and debris. This is not a permanent fix, but it will keep your vehicle safe until you can get to the dealer.

Timeline for the recall and what to expect

Lincoln began notifying owners of the window regulator recall in 2021 for early 2019 model year vehicles. Additional recall notices were issued in 2022 and 2023 as the problem was identified in later model years and different trim levels. If you own a 2019–2022 Nautilus, you may have already received a recall notice by mail, or you may receive one later depending on when your vehicle was identified as affected.

There is no hard important date for completing a recall repair. However, it is in your interest to schedule it sooner rather than later, especially if you live in a climate with heavy rain or snow. A stuck-open window leaves your vehicle vulnerable, and a window that drops unexpectedly while driving is a genuine safety hazard.

Dealer appointment availability varies by location and season. During busy service periods, you may wait several weeks for an appointment. Call your dealer as soon as you know your vehicle is affected to get on the schedule. If your dealer is fully booked, ask if they can refer you to another Lincoln dealer in your area.

Preventing window regulator problems in the future

Once your window regulator has been replaced under the recall, the new part should operate normally for the life of your vehicle. However, you can extend the life of any power window by using it gently and keeping the window tracks clean.

Avoid holding the window button down continuously—press it in short bursts instead. This reduces strain on the motor and regulator. If you notice the window moving slowly or making grinding sounds, have it inspected by a technician before it fails completely. Dirt and debris in the window track can increase friction and wear on the regulator, so wipe the tracks with a dry cloth every few months, especially in winter when salt and sand accumulate.

If you have a newer Nautilus (2023 or later), check safercar.gov periodically to see if any new recalls are issued. Lincoln has addressed the regulator issue in later production runs, but it is always wise to stay informed about your vehicle's safety status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the recall repair affect my vehicle's warranty?

No. Recall repairs do not affect your factory warranty or any extended warranty you may have purchased. The replacement regulator is covered under the recall, and the repair is performed by a factory-trained technician using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts.

Can I have the repair done at an independent mechanic instead of a Lincoln dealer?

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. Only a Lincoln dealer can access the official recall parts and documentation needed to complete the repair at no cost to you. An independent shop would charge you for parts and labor. Stick with your Lincoln dealer to avoid out-of-pocket expense.

What if I sell my Nautilus before getting the recall repair done?

The recall follows the vehicle, not the owner. If you sell your Nautilus, the new owner can still have the recall repair done at no cost. However, it is courteous to disclose the open recall to the buyer before the sale. The new owner will receive their own recall notice once they register the vehicle in their name.

Does this recall affect other Lincoln models?

This specific window regulator recall applies only to the 2019–2022 Nautilus. Other Lincoln models may have different recalls. Check safercar.gov with your VIN to see all recalls that explore to your specific vehicle, regardless of model.

How long does the recall repair take from start to finish?

The actual repair work takes one to two hours per window. However, the total time at the dealer depends on how busy they are. You may drop off your vehicle in the morning and pick it up the same day, or the dealer may schedule it as a longer appointment. Call ahead to ask about their typical turnaround time.